Robinson touted for late Lions call

The British

& Irish Lions

Tour to New Zealand 2017

Robinson touted for late Lions call

Former Wales fly-half Jonathan Davies believes Nicky Robinson may have done enough to make a successful late charge for Lions selection.

Head coach Ian McGeechan announces his touring party in London tomorrow and Davies feels his countryman could be a surprise inclusion.

The 27-year-old Cardiff Blues star helped the Welsh region put 50 points on Gloucester in Saturday's EDF Energy Cup Final at Twickenham and has been at the heart of what has been an impressive season to date for the Blues.

And, although Robinson hasn't featured for Wales since June 2006, Davies says his current form makes him a strong contender for a Lions spot.

"Nicky Robinson has played himself into contention," Davies told BBC Sport.

"At No10 there are two in Ronan O'Gara and Stephen Jones who are definitely nailed on.

"Then you have (Danny) Cipriani, (James) Hook and (Toby) Flood but if one guy is on a roll at the moment it is Nicky Robinson.

"Cipriani is playing ok, Hook hasn't played much and Flood is injured and Sam Vesty is playing for Leicester.

"It would be a big call by the Lions coaches to pick Robinson but O'Gara and Stephen Jones are similar types of players.

"The Lions coaches said players have to be playing well to go on tour. And Nicky is certainly doing that."

Davies' former Wales half-back partner and fellow BBC pundit Robert Jones also lauded Robinson's performance against Gloucester but has warned that the step up between club rugby and a Lions tour could be a problem for the Blues playmaker.

"Nicky's performances of late have been very good, but you are talking about a totally different level with the Lions," Jones said on BBC Wales' Scrum V show.

"It would be a big, big call to take him on the back of just club performances although they have been exceptional.

"Nicky controlled the game against Gloucester beautifully. He didn't kick a lot in the first-half but when he did in the second-half, the Blues won the kicking game hands down to show he has the ability to control matches.

"Stephen Jones and Ronan O'Gara will go on the Lions tour and the third outside-half spot is between a number of players as there were not many in the Six Nations who put their hand up. But I think consistency has been Nicky's problem."